Doncaster in South Yorkshire has undergone a transformation in recent decades. From being a heavy industrial town it has moved towards becoming a significant regional city with a more diverse offering. Here we will look at what’s happened recently and at the city’s ambitious plans for the future.
Traditional industries here were coal mining, heavy engineering and the railway industry. It is most famous for being the birthplace of the Flying Scotsman steam train. In recent years, as these industries have diminished, the economy has become more service dependent. Key sectors include advanced manufacturing, business services, logistics and distribution. There are now a significant number of sizable distribution centres in the area for occupiers including IKEA, Next and Amazon.
Newer industries here include creative and digital and tech. The local authority has an ambition for the city to become a centre of excellence in AI. Automated Analytics, a global leader in its field, is located here. The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has proposed Doncaster could be one of the government’s new AI Growth Zones (AIGZs).
Doncaster gained city status in 2022 and it is hoped this status will help raise the profile of the area. Doncaster has been ranked highly in fDi’s European Cities and Regions of the Future, Small European Cities, ratings. This is based on Business Doncaster’s investment promotion strategy, the work done to encourage and support business growth and investment and their focus on sector growth. Parts of Doncaster City Centre, Thorne North, the Unity development and Gateway East have previously been designated as Investment Zones.
Doncaster is a very well connected location. It sits at the heart of the motorway network and it is claimed that 87% of the UK population is reachable within four hour’s driving time. It is within 50 miles of the Humber ports and is well connected by rail, for passengers and freight, both regionally and nationally. The airport, although currently non-operational, may reopen next year.
